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Easy & Light Thanksgiving Appetizers

ByAnne Danahy, RD Published Updated on

Let's face it, Thanksgiving isn't exactly famous for appetizers or hors-d'oeuvres. But your guests still need something light to nibble on while they wait for the turkey feast.

These 30+ easy, light Thanksgiving appetizer ideas are sure to temp everyone's taste buds. Whether you're in charge of bringing an appetizer for Thanksgiving dinner or you need a few healthier make-ahead options, you'll find it here.

And don't worry, these appetizers are all light enough to leave plenty of room for the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

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Thanksgiving Dips and Charcuterie Boards

If you're the cook for Thanksgiving, you already have enough on your plate (pun intended). So it's important to keep things simple. Make one or two of these dips ahead of time, and serve them with a charcuterie board or an assortment of crackers, fruits, and vegetables for a no-fuss appetizer.

Snack boards full of fresh fruits and vegetables also provide a healthy option for anyone trying to limit excess calories or carbs at Thanksgiving dinner or dessert. Filling up on these healthier appetizers before dinner makes it easier to say "no thanks" to that second plate of food later.

Fall Charcuterie Board
This beautiful snack board has something for everyone. Tailor it to your guests' tastes and pair it with one or more dips.
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Thanksgiving Vegetable Tray
This fun turkey-shaped vegetable tray is almost too cute to eat!
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Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus
Serve this delicious, sweet pumpkin pie-flavored dip with an assortment of fresh fruit for a before or after dinner treat.
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Savory Pumpkin Hummus
This savory pumpkin hummus is perfect with fresh vegetables or crackers.
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an overhead shot of pumpkin hummus
Mushroom Spread
Mushrooms, cream cheese, and herbs make for a delicious warm or cold dip to spred on toasted bread or crackers.
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White Bean Dip
Try all 3 variations of this dip, which goes perfectly with vegetables, crackers, or crusty bread.
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Za'atar Labneh with Crispy Garlic
This Greek yogurt cheese dip is delicious and good for you too. Scoop it up with crackers or toasted naan.
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Dill Veggie Dip
Greek yogurt paired with touch of dill and horseradish make this fresh vegetable dip totally delicious, and healthy too.
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Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
A surprisingly delicious way to enjoy the season's favorite fruit.
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Cheese Appetizers for Thanksgiving

Is there any holiday that doesn't go with cheese? Whether you roll it into a ball or log or bake it in a pan, a little bit of cheese is always satisfying. You can assemble these easy Thanksgiving cheese appetizers completely or mostly ahead of time.

Apricot, Pecan and Honey Goat Cheese Ball
This easy make-ahead cheese ball has a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Serve it with fresh fruit and crackers
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Apricot Pecan and Honey Goat Cheese Ball|Craving Something Healthy
Thanksgiving Cheese Board
Short on time? Run to the cheese section of the grocery store and pick up an assortment of cheeses to pair with meats, olives, fruit, and nuts. Easiest Thanksgiving hors d'oeuvre ever!
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Cranberry Baked Brie
Cranberry Baked Brie is the classic Thanksgiving cheese appetizer! Pop it in the oven just before your guests are set to arrive. Serve this easy appetizer with crackers or toasted slices of French bread.
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Pumpkin Cheese Ball
This pumpkin-shaped cheese ball is so fun and makes a great centerpiece for your appetizer table.
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Cranberry Goat Cheese Log
Is there anything more holiday festive than goat cheese coated with herbs, pomegranate arils, and cranberries? Make this in the morning or the night before Thanksgiving for a no-fuss appetizer.
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Cheddar Cheese Ball
This classic, pub-style cheese ball is always a favorite.
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Goat Cheese Log with Hot Honey, Fig and Pistachios
This easy, mostly make-ahead cheese log has so many delicious flavors.
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Baked Brie with Apricot Jam
You only need 4 ingredients and a few minutes in the oven for this swet and savory baked brie recipe.
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Small Bites and Nibbles

These light Thanksgiving appetizer ideas are perfect for nibbling while you enjoy a cocktail before dinner. And you can make many of these early in the week. Set out an assortment so guests can try a bite of everything.

Baked Honey Nut Clusters
These are the easiest, tastiest roasted honey nuts. Keep them in an air-tight jar for an instant, light appetizer for the holidays (or anytime!).
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Spicy Oven Roasted Chickpeas
Good thing chickpeas are so good for you, because these spicy oven roasted chickpeas are absolutely addictive!
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Spicy Oven Roasted Chickpeas|How to Simplify
Pickled Cauliflower with Turmeric & Ginger
Crispy, crunchy cauliflower bites with a sweet and spicy tang.
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A white plate with pickled cauliflower. A jar of pickled cauliflower and 2 forks in the background.
Garlic Dill Marinated Mushrooms
Perfectly poppable marinated mushrooms are an easy, light, make-ahead appetizer.
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Turkey Deviled Eggs
Your guests will gobble up these adorable deviled eggs!
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Root Chips
These oven-baked chips are made from purple sweet potatoes, yucca root, and beets!
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Root Chips|Spoon Fork Bacon
Cucumber Hummus Bites
What could be easier and more colorful than cucumber slices topped with a scoop of hummus and cherry tomato slices?
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Prosciutto Cheddar and Apple Wraps
Just three ingredients make for a delicious, sweet and savory snack.
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Soppressata Provolone Cones
This easy make-ahead appetizer is full of lots of salty, savory, and sweet flavors in every bite.
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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Crisp cooked and cooled asparagus wrapped with thinly sliced prosciutto are a prefect make-ahead light appetizer.
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Warm Thanksgiving Hors d' oeuvres

These warm appetizer ideas are still easy to assemble ahead of time. Just bake, broil, or warm them before the doorbell rings.

Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts
Warm sweet potato slices topped with seasoned ricotta cheese, nuts, and cranberries taste like Thanksgiving in every bite!
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Bacon Wrapped Raspberry Stuffed Dates
This easy appetizer needs just 3 ingredients and a few minutes in the oven.
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Baked Mini Potatoes
This is such an easy and fun appetizer idea! Customize mini baked potatoes with cheese, Greek yogurt, green onions, or whatever toppings you're craving.
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Crostini with Roasted Grapes, Goat Cheese, and Pecans
A delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
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Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Assemble these savory bites ahead of time and pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes once your guests arrive.
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Pear and Brie Crostini
A few simple ingredients make for an elegant and delicious Thanksgiving appetizer.
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Pumpkin & Brie Crostini
This easy appetizer features so many delicious fall flavors and warm, melty brie.
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Addictive Artichoke Squares
Make these cheesy artichoke squares in advance and keep them in the freezer for the holidays. Just reheat and serve.
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Butternut Squash Crostini
This easy appetizer features roasted and seasoned butternut squash, ricotta cheese and toast. Simple but elegant.
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Caramelized Onion Tartlets
These easy, bite-sized tartlets taste like a bite of warm French onion soup wrapped in flaky pastry dough.
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Start making your grocery list! Do you have any light and healthier Thanksgiving appetizers that you like to serve? Tag me on Instagram @CravingSomethingHealthy, and let me know!

Eat well!

4 Comments

    1. Hi Lisa, Thanks for visiting! I'm not sure which zucchini wraps you're referring to. There's a picture of prosciutto-wrapped asparagus in the feature image, so maybe that's it? If so, the recipe is linked in the roundup.

      Reply

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